The World Surf League (WSL) Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, a Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000-level event, and Pro Junior crowned Alyssa Spencer, Michael Dunphy, and Tommy Coleman its 2022 victors, respectively. The winners powered through a massive finals day in one-to-three foot windswell and put on a showcase of immaculate performances to rise above their competition. Spencer's undeniable form led her to a sweep of both the QS and Juniors on her 19th birthday as Dunphy took down his first event since 2015, and Coleman earned his first-ever WSL victory.
A brilliant day for Spencer ended with a double victory, reclaiming her Pro Junior throne from 2017 and the first women's QS event in Cocoa Beach.
Spencer and former Championship Tour (CT) competitor, recent SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay winner, Sage Ericksontook to their Final with similar mentalities as both waited for an opening ride before Spencer's forehand laid waste to a running lefthander for a 7.50 (out of a possible 10). Erickson's own forehand attack earned her two scores to take the lead, but Spencer's patience paid off once again as she was given a gem with multiple, critical hits on another left to score a near-perfect 9.00. (Full interview in video above)
"I'm so stoked I've been carrying a lot of momentum between all these events," said Spencer. "I've been putting in a lot of work this year just working on my surfing and my heat strategy, and just trying to clean it up as best I can. It's been a really fun year overall so I'm super happy."
The Californian had to overcome emerging threats Chiasa Maruyama in their Quarterfinal battle before taking on San Clemente, California's Bella Kenworthy. This marks her fourth QS victory of the season and remains atop the rankings.
The 31-year-old earned his first win since 2015 and in decisive manner over event threat Jett Schilling.
A wave-for-wave Final between Dunphy and Jett Schilling, eventual runner-up in both the QS and Pro Junior events, unfolded as the higher tide tested the competitors' abilities. San Clemente's Schilling a took charge to accrue 9.75 heat total heading into the final ten minutes with his impressive backhand. But, in the dying minutes Dunphy turned in a 5.10 to overtake the lead and leave his opponent searching for wave that didn't present itself, securing a win for Dunphy and a spot at the top of North America's rankings.
"Anytime you can walk away from an event as the champ, it's pretty cool," said Dunphy. "It feels good to be on the top of the rankings. To be honest, to start the year I kind of was having a little bit of trouble motivating to try and fight for the spot on the Challenger (Series) again. (Especially) after coming so close to making the Tour last year. So I was not too caught up in those rankings so that was probably a release of pressure to do well."
A formidable Schilling held strong throughout finals day to earn double finals. - WSL / John Ferguson
Dunphy's road to the Final included event standout Raiki Nishida, who made it to both the QS and Pro Junior finals day, before taking on fellow decorated QS veteran Evan Geiselman in a Semifinal battle. The Virginia Beach, Virginia-born competitor fell to Geiselman in the Dominican Republic and found redemption with an impressive 14.25 heat total.
Schilling now sits at No. 7 with a chance to keep his position among the Challenger Series ranks at the last stop of the 2021/22' season in Barbados after taking down Eithan Osborne in the Quarterfinals and Coleman in the Semifinals.
Spencer reclaimed her throne of the Ron Jon Roxy Pro Junior, notching a third victory. - WSL / John Ferguson
Before that spectacular performance from Spencer, Sawyer Lindblad took control of the women's Pro Junior Final in the first five minutes, accruing a 7.25 on her backhand attack. But, minutes later, Spencer answered right back with a 6.75 before an exchange between the two pushed Spencer into the lead to leave Rubiana Brownell and Ella McCaffray needing excellent scores.
Spencer now holds both the North America QS and Pro Junior No. 1 rankings as she continues to set the bar in a stacked region of talent.
"It's really nice because honestly, going into the last event of the year I have no pressure on my back," added Spencer. "I can just kind of have fun which is super cool because I've never really been in a spot like this before I guess. It's nice to see how more freed up you are in the water."
Coleman's long-awaited win came to fruition in front of his family and friends. - WSL / John Ferguson
The men's Pro Junior Final featured some of North America's best including Coleman, eventual QS runner-up Schilling, Taro Watanabe, and Levi Slawson. Action opened up with Coleman getting a quick start, but Schilling responded with a 6.25 and Watanabe with a 7.25. Slawson put his name in the mix, but Schilling dropped an excellent 8.00 at the 15-minute mark to leave his competitors needed big scores and Coleman's forehand answered with a 7.60 to overtake the lead that he carried until the final horn.
"It feels so good just being here with the local crowd, my family cheering me on, this is a really special win," said Coleman. "I missed the last (Pro Junior) because of a broken ankle and I was so stoked to hear they raised the age. Now, I'm going to Barbados. I would love to make World Junior Championships if that happens and start the next QS season fresh."
The next North America event will be the Barbados Surf Pro QS 3,000 and Live Like Zander Junior Pro In Memory of Zander Venezia beginning March 28 - April 3 to end the 2021/22' QS season, while providing the second stop for Pro Juniors.
Day 4: Men's Pro Juniors Join Finals Day Draw, Semifinalists Locked In
A short, but decisive moving day determined the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro finals day draws after finishing the men's Pro Junior Round of 32 and Quarterfinals. Severe weather brought competition to a halt but competitors overpowered the testy conditions with immaculate performances.
From the QS to the Pro Junors, Levi Slawson is on a tear this season. - WSL / John Ferguson
A stacked field remains heading into the final eight competitors and among them is one of 2021/22's standout surfers Levi Slawson. The Encinitas, California surfer dismantled the lineup to post a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and 16.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total before another impressive performance to claim a Semifinal spot.
"I'm super stoked for this opportunity and thankful to the WSL for giving us this extra year," said Slawson. "To make the World Juniors would be awesome. I came into this focused on the QS but now I'm putting all my energy into the Pro Junior now. ."
Defending event victor Jabe Swierkocki's backhand attack couldn't be stopped as he continued his tear in Cocoa Beach with a hefty 16.00 heat total in his Round of 40 win and advancing position behind Slawson.
Kade Matson has a second chance at the World Junior Championships and he's looking to make it count. - WSL / John Ferguson
2019 event victor Kade Matson came into Cocoa Beach ranked No. 1 on the QS and fell short of carrying that title forward, but reignited in the Pro Juniors with a clutch Round of 40 and Quarterfinal win.
"That felt good after yesterday and losing in the QS," said Matson. "It's good to get a little rebound in the Pro Junior and even though my focus on the QS, now I can shift that focus my junor ranking. It'd be great to go to Worlds more time and hopefully I can take this one out."
Jett Schilling's forehand attack in small conditions continues to impress. - WSL / John Ferguson
An in-form Jett Schilling continues to impress with his aggressive forehand surfing to accrue solid heat totals and power through back to the Semifinals after making the Final in 2019. Schilling was joined by Alan Cleland, who had the lead until the final minutes when Schilling overtook him, as the Mexican competitor held event standout Raiki Nishida at bay.
Also notching big performances, Taro Watanabe took down his Quarterfinal affair as Vero Beach, Florida's Tommy Coleman earned a buzzer-beater to make a Semifinals appearance.
A 7:00 a.m. EDT call will determine a likely 7:30 a.m. EDT start to finals day action.
Day 3: Momentum Building Moving Day for Men, Women's QS and Juniors
A massive day of competition unraveled at the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, Pro Junior with respective Quarterfinalists and Semifinalists locked in. Smaller conditions proved tough for some of the region's finest, but many thrived and showed their ability to adapt for clutch heat wins. The men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) fields are down to their Quarterfinal draw, respectively, and the women's Pro Junior determined their stacked Semifinal matchups.
From Jacksonville to Cocoa Beach, Sage Erickson has Florida lineups figured out with near-perfection in her debut. - WSL / John Ferguson
Recent SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay victor Sage Erickson kept her competitive ball rolling and blasted the event's best single-wave score, a near-perfect 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and 17.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Erickson carried that momentum into a Round of 16 advancement behind Costa Rica's in-form Leilani McGonagle, after McGonagle's Round of 32 win, and now eyes down another big result as her fresh outlook is a driving force.
"It's the complete opposite of Morro Bay and it's a different kind of challenge, and trying to be better than my competitors," said Erickson. "It's funny, everytime I drop off Tour I have the most fun competing on the QS the very next year. I get a lot of confidence in these events and it helps my nerves. I feel like I can attack more and my family still follows every contest, it just means a lot to everyone and I enjoy that."
Erickson is joined into the Quarterfinals by some high-caliber talent including current No. 1 Alyssa Spencer, Florida's Zoe Benedetto, and California's Sawyer Lindblad, The Ultimate Surfer winner Tia Blanco, Bella Kenworthy, and Chiasa Maruyama.
A brilliant showing from Spencer scorched through her Pro Junior debut - WSL / John Ferguson
Former two-time Ron Jon Roxy Pro Junior winner Spencer overpowered the small conditions in both her QS and Pro Junior debuts with dynamic forehand surfing. With a 14.50 heat total in her QS Round of 16 before dropping a brilliant 7.75 in the Pro Junior. Spencer has a firm lock on the top spot in North America by over 1,000 points for the QS but extra heats are valuable for the Encinitas, California competitor - especially getting the extra year of being a Pro Junior.
"It's nice to be back after not being here for three years," said Spencer. "The conditions were definitely disintegrating out there and it was probably the hardest conditions I've surfed here so I'm really happy to make that heat. I thought last year would've been my last year as a junior so when they changed the age I thought ‘might as well' (laughs)."
Spencer will be joined by the likes of Sawyer Lindblad, Lilie Kulber, Sara Freyre, Rubiana Brownell, Emma Stone, Ella McCaffray, and Noah Klapp.
Michael Dunphy took charge in a QS superheat and never gave up the poll position. - WSL / John Ferguson
One of the most highly-anticipated heats of the men's QS so far unfolded with defending event winner Kei Kobayashi, former event winner Evan Geiselman, decorated QS veteran Michael Dunphy, and emerging talent Dane Matson. Dunphy, recent Semifinalist in Dominican Republic, took control of the affair with his backhand daggers as a battle for second went down to the dying minutes when Geiselman earned a 5.50 to steal the advancing position from Kobayashi, which he held until the final horn.
"It was tough and I thought it'd be a better with the higher tide, but luckily on the backhand you can get on the backfoot and poke harder," said Dunphy. "That worked to my advantage and I'm glad because Evan's so good, so is Kei, and Dane as well. I struggle with confidence but it seems when I do good I can get steamrolling and I'm either good consecutively or bad consecutively so I'm happy with the momentum."
Training at his local break when it's small is paying off for Jett Schilling with performances here in Florida. - WSL / John Ferguson
More stacked heats to finish the Round of 16 included big wins from rising star Crosby Colapinto, fellow San Clemente competitor Jett Schilling, and Florida's own Tommy Coleman. Schilling is on the hunt for a breakthrough result since his Quarterfinal finish in Pismo Beach and his aerial antics in small conditions here prevailed to earn his way back into the Quarters after helping eliminate current No. 1 Nolan Rapoza.
"I feel good even though the waves are really hard here today," said Schilling. "Especially against guys like Luke Gordon and all those guys who are so good in these waves. T-Street is perfect practice though for this so I've been getting ready. Hopefully I can go all the way in this one."
A 7:00 a.m. EST call will determine a likely 7:30 a.m. start for Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro Junior action.
Day 2: North America No.1s, Elation and Drama
The Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro returned to action with lingering swell providing competitors enough opportunity to showcase their small-wave attack. The men's Qualifying Series (QS) elite held their ground as their field narrowed to just 16 surfers and the Quiksilver, Roxy Junior Pro took to the water for their respective debuts.
Nolan Rapoza debuted brilliantly to keep pace and stay No. 1 moving forward. - WSL / John Ferguson
Nolan Rapoza and Kade Matson currently share the No. 1 spot in North America and both earned clutch wins in their respective Round of 64 heats before Rapoza went up a notch to blast his way into the Round of 32.
"To stay at the number one spot I'm just not stressing on it," said Rapoza. "I've stressed aout so many things before and now that I'm actually at where I dream of being, it's time to feel it and just keep living it."
Conditions proved difficult as the day progressed and Luke Gordon, along with Tyler Gunter, provided the upset of the event so far, eliminating current No. 1 Matson.
Kei Kobayashi has found success in Cocoa Beach's waters for his first Pro Junior and QS win, and now hopes for more. - WSL / John Ferguson
Defending event victor Kei Kobayashikept his razor sharp form intact with another heat win heading into the Round of 16 with plenty of momentum, overtaking day one standouts Crosby Colapinto, also advancing, Kyle Tester and former Pro Junior victor Ryland Rubens.
"I'm stoked with that heat after Dominican didn't go the way I wanted it to but that's the way it goes," said Kobayashi. "I'm excited to be back here in Florida. I've got good memories winning the Pro Junior a few years back and the QS last time around. It's a tricky wave but I love it and I'd love to clinch my spot here, not leave it to Barbados, so I'll give it my all."
Eithan Osborne claimed his first-ever WSL win here at 2018. - WSL / John Ferguson
Fellow former event winners Josh Burke and Eithan Osborne, who won their respective divisions in 2018, continued their great form over a stacked Round of 32 heat including decorated QS veteran Michael Dunphy, defending junior event victor Jabe Swierkocki, and 2018 ISA Gold Medalist Jhony Corzo. While Osoborne posted a Round's best 13.00 over another super heat featuring in-form competitors Cam Richards, John Mel, and Hagan Johnson.
"The goal is definitely to qualify for the Challengers," said Osborne. "There's still waves and I have a good board that glides instead of hops which helped get some good scores, and that always gives you confidence. I just want to win these last two events, that's my mindset."
"I feel pretty good and it's kind of smaller so hopefully we get a few more waves into the next round and finals day," said Burke. "I have fun in Cocoa Beach and always seem to do well here and hoping to again. Board is feeling really good and I'm stoked to keep it going."
Pro Juniors Make Long-Awaited Return to Competition
David Okeefe surged through the QS and is looking to go even further as a junior. - WSL / John Ferguson
Following the men's QS action, the Ron Jon Quiksilver Junior Pro got underway with Round of 40 debuts from some of the best talents 20-and-under. Two years away from competition, Pro Junior competitors are back and are hungrier than ever.
David Okeefe made noise in the QS before facing eliminating in the Round of 64 and brought that confidence to the juniors with a debut-best, 12.20. Now, he prepares to keep his run going against the likes of former event winner Kade Matson and more.
"It feels really good (to make some heats in the QS)," said Okeefe. "Coming up against the best guys you know you're going to have to surf your best. Just feels good to make it."
Raiki Nishida found success in both events during today's action with great performances. - WSL / John Ferguson
Raiki Nishida's presence this season hasn't gone unnoticed with multiple heat wins in the QS and just lacking that final push toward finals day. But, the Californian's form continues to impress, already taking out higher-seeded competitors along the way here in Cocoa Beach and earned a big Round of 40 win in the Ron Jon Quiksilver Junior Pro.
"This is the first time I've made it to the Round of 16 which has been a goal of mine all season," said Nishida. "I'm stoked to be giving the QS a full go in my first year and learning from each heat."
A 7:00 a.m. EST call will determine a likely 7:30 a.m. start to competition.
Day 1: Electric Performances Unfold On Opening Day
A massive opening day unfolded at the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro with men's Qualifying Series action front and center from start to finish. Thunderstorms delayed proceedings before finishing through to the Round of 64 Heat 8 but the damage was done by a plethora of standouts making their mark.
Evan Geiselman's fresh off a runner-up in the Caribbean and back to posting excellent scores on home soil. - WSL / John Ferguson
The QS grind is in full effect for many of these competitors coming straight from the Dominican Republic right into competition and among them, former Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro victor Evan Geiselman soared in his debut. The New Smyrna Beach, Florida competitor is straight off a runner-up in DR and felt right at home going event-to-event.
"We're back in Florida and I'm happy," said Geiselman. "The waves were pretty fun. We're in Cocoa Beach so you have to enjoy it when there's swell around. It can get brutal here so when you get opportunities to post scores it's good and no days off (laughs). Right back into it and I'm ready."
A quick ride up the highway followed by an explosive performance from Tommy Coleman pushed him into the Round of 64 - WSL / John Ferguson
Former Ron Jon Quiksilver Junior Pro finalist Tommy Coleman unleashed his ferocious forehand on a dream lefthander to turn in an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10) and 16.15 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The Vero Beach, Florida competitor turned in an equal 49th in Pismo Beach and his looking for more success near home.
"It's always nice to be in the jersey at home and have the family and friends supporting me along with the local crowd," said Coleman. "With two events left I'm just hoping to get some good results to carry over momentum into the next season."
William Hedleston represented brilliantly for his hometown and blasted an excellent 8.00 to start his heat. - WSL / John Ferguson
Local competitor William Hedleston made his debut in this event at the age of 11 and continues to improve his result each time around in both the QS and Junior. The now 17-year-old will celebrate his 18th birthday by event's end and opened up with an 8.00 and 14.50 heat total to start off in brilliant form as he awaits his Round of 64 heat. Hedleston is back in the jersey after dealing with an ankle injury sustained on Oahu, Hawaii's famed North Shore and right at home.
"There's really no other feeling than surfing at home, it's your home break and you're used to it all the time," said Hedleston. "It's tricky though, being a beach break, it shifts but when you get the fun ones it's definitely worth it. That first wave was nuts and just kept giving me opportunities. I just waited for the rest of the heat to get another score like that but that first one calmed me down a bit."
Crosby Colapinto witnessed his brother's momentous victory in Portugal and it sparked fire of his own toward a Round of 64 debut. - WSL / John Ferguson
California's top competitors weren't left out of the mix with the likes of defending event victor Kei Kobayashi, Crosby Colapinto, Jeremy Carter, Matt Passaquindici, Raiki Nishida, Lucas Owston and more earning big debut heat wins. Colapinto witnessed his elder brother Griffin take down the MEO Pro Portugal victory and brought that energy to Cocoa Beach in dynamic fashion with a 15.00 heat total.
"I feel pretty solid at this event and to get that start felt really good," said Colapinto. "Last couple of events I had a shocker so it's good to get some scores and make that heat. I called (Griffin) pretty much crying because that's something we've dreamed of since we were kids. It got me fired up make some heats here and get a good result."
A 7:30 a.m. EST call will determine a likely 8:00 a.m. EST start to men's Round of 64 Heat 9 with Women's QS and Pro Juniors on standby.
2022 Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro: Spencer, Dunphy and Coleman Victorious
Andrew Nichols
The World Surf League (WSL) Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, a Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000-level event, and Pro Junior crowned Alyssa Spencer, Michael Dunphy, and Tommy Coleman its 2022 victors, respectively. The winners powered through a massive finals day in one-to-three foot windswell and put on a showcase of immaculate performances to rise above their competition. Spencer's undeniable form led her to a sweep of both the QS and Juniors on her 19th birthday as Dunphy took down his first event since 2015, and Coleman earned his first-ever WSL victory.
Spencer and former Championship Tour (CT) competitor, recent SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay winner, Sage Ericksontook to their Final with similar mentalities as both waited for an opening ride before Spencer's forehand laid waste to a running lefthander for a 7.50 (out of a possible 10). Erickson's own forehand attack earned her two scores to take the lead, but Spencer's patience paid off once again as she was given a gem with multiple, critical hits on another left to score a near-perfect 9.00. (Full interview in video above)
"I'm so stoked I've been carrying a lot of momentum between all these events," said Spencer. "I've been putting in a lot of work this year just working on my surfing and my heat strategy, and just trying to clean it up as best I can. It's been a really fun year overall so I'm super happy."
The Californian had to overcome emerging threats Chiasa Maruyama in their Quarterfinal battle before taking on San Clemente, California's Bella Kenworthy. This marks her fourth QS victory of the season and remains atop the rankings.
A wave-for-wave Final between Dunphy and Jett Schilling, eventual runner-up in both the QS and Pro Junior events, unfolded as the higher tide tested the competitors' abilities. San Clemente's Schilling a took charge to accrue 9.75 heat total heading into the final ten minutes with his impressive backhand. But, in the dying minutes Dunphy turned in a 5.10 to overtake the lead and leave his opponent searching for wave that didn't present itself, securing a win for Dunphy and a spot at the top of North America's rankings.
"Anytime you can walk away from an event as the champ, it's pretty cool," said Dunphy. "It feels good to be on the top of the rankings. To be honest, to start the year I kind of was having a little bit of trouble motivating to try and fight for the spot on the Challenger (Series) again. (Especially) after coming so close to making the Tour last year. So I was not too caught up in those rankings so that was probably a release of pressure to do well."
Dunphy's road to the Final included event standout Raiki Nishida, who made it to both the QS and Pro Junior finals day, before taking on fellow decorated QS veteran Evan Geiselman in a Semifinal battle. The Virginia Beach, Virginia-born competitor fell to Geiselman in the Dominican Republic and found redemption with an impressive 14.25 heat total.
Schilling now sits at No. 7 with a chance to keep his position among the Challenger Series ranks at the last stop of the 2021/22' season in Barbados after taking down Eithan Osborne in the Quarterfinals and Coleman in the Semifinals.
Before that spectacular performance from Spencer, Sawyer Lindblad took control of the women's Pro Junior Final in the first five minutes, accruing a 7.25 on her backhand attack. But, minutes later, Spencer answered right back with a 6.75 before an exchange between the two pushed Spencer into the lead to leave Rubiana Brownell and Ella McCaffray needing excellent scores.
Spencer now holds both the North America QS and Pro Junior No. 1 rankings as she continues to set the bar in a stacked region of talent.
"It's really nice because honestly, going into the last event of the year I have no pressure on my back," added Spencer. "I can just kind of have fun which is super cool because I've never really been in a spot like this before I guess. It's nice to see how more freed up you are in the water."
The men's Pro Junior Final featured some of North America's best including Coleman, eventual QS runner-up Schilling, Taro Watanabe, and Levi Slawson. Action opened up with Coleman getting a quick start, but Schilling responded with a 6.25 and Watanabe with a 7.25. Slawson put his name in the mix, but Schilling dropped an excellent 8.00 at the 15-minute mark to leave his competitors needed big scores and Coleman's forehand answered with a 7.60 to overtake the lead that he carried until the final horn.
"It feels so good just being here with the local crowd, my family cheering me on, this is a really special win," said Coleman. "I missed the last (Pro Junior) because of a broken ankle and I was so stoked to hear they raised the age. Now, I'm going to Barbados. I would love to make World Junior Championships if that happens and start the next QS season fresh."
The next North America event will be the Barbados Surf Pro QS 3,000 and Live Like Zander Junior Pro In Memory of Zander Venezia beginning March 28 - April 3 to end the 2021/22' QS season, while providing the second stop for Pro Juniors.
Day 4: Men's Pro Juniors Join Finals Day Draw, Semifinalists Locked In
A short, but decisive moving day determined the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro finals day draws after finishing the men's Pro Junior Round of 32 and Quarterfinals. Severe weather brought competition to a halt but competitors overpowered the testy conditions with immaculate performances.
A stacked field remains heading into the final eight competitors and among them is one of 2021/22's standout surfers Levi Slawson. The Encinitas, California surfer dismantled the lineup to post a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and 16.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total before another impressive performance to claim a Semifinal spot.
"I'm super stoked for this opportunity and thankful to the WSL for giving us this extra year," said Slawson. "To make the World Juniors would be awesome. I came into this focused on the QS but now I'm putting all my energy into the Pro Junior now. ."
Defending event victor Jabe Swierkocki's backhand attack couldn't be stopped as he continued his tear in Cocoa Beach with a hefty 16.00 heat total in his Round of 40 win and advancing position behind Slawson.
2019 event victor Kade Matson came into Cocoa Beach ranked No. 1 on the QS and fell short of carrying that title forward, but reignited in the Pro Juniors with a clutch Round of 40 and Quarterfinal win.
"That felt good after yesterday and losing in the QS," said Matson. "It's good to get a little rebound in the Pro Junior and even though my focus on the QS, now I can shift that focus my junor ranking. It'd be great to go to Worlds more time and hopefully I can take this one out."
An in-form Jett Schilling continues to impress with his aggressive forehand surfing to accrue solid heat totals and power through back to the Semifinals after making the Final in 2019. Schilling was joined by Alan Cleland, who had the lead until the final minutes when Schilling overtook him, as the Mexican competitor held event standout Raiki Nishida at bay.
Also notching big performances, Taro Watanabe took down his Quarterfinal affair as Vero Beach, Florida's Tommy Coleman earned a buzzer-beater to make a Semifinals appearance.
A 7:00 a.m. EDT call will determine a likely 7:30 a.m. EDT start to finals day action.
Day 3: Momentum Building Moving Day for Men, Women's QS and Juniors
A massive day of competition unraveled at the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, Pro Junior with respective Quarterfinalists and Semifinalists locked in. Smaller conditions proved tough for some of the region's finest, but many thrived and showed their ability to adapt for clutch heat wins. The men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) fields are down to their Quarterfinal draw, respectively, and the women's Pro Junior determined their stacked Semifinal matchups.
Recent SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay victor Sage Erickson kept her competitive ball rolling and blasted the event's best single-wave score, a near-perfect 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and 17.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Erickson carried that momentum into a Round of 16 advancement behind Costa Rica's in-form Leilani McGonagle, after McGonagle's Round of 32 win, and now eyes down another big result as her fresh outlook is a driving force.
"It's the complete opposite of Morro Bay and it's a different kind of challenge, and trying to be better than my competitors," said Erickson. "It's funny, everytime I drop off Tour I have the most fun competing on the QS the very next year. I get a lot of confidence in these events and it helps my nerves. I feel like I can attack more and my family still follows every contest, it just means a lot to everyone and I enjoy that."
Erickson is joined into the Quarterfinals by some high-caliber talent including current No. 1 Alyssa Spencer, Florida's Zoe Benedetto, and California's Sawyer Lindblad, The Ultimate Surfer winner Tia Blanco, Bella Kenworthy, and Chiasa Maruyama.
Former two-time Ron Jon Roxy Pro Junior winner Spencer overpowered the small conditions in both her QS and Pro Junior debuts with dynamic forehand surfing. With a 14.50 heat total in her QS Round of 16 before dropping a brilliant 7.75 in the Pro Junior. Spencer has a firm lock on the top spot in North America by over 1,000 points for the QS but extra heats are valuable for the Encinitas, California competitor - especially getting the extra year of being a Pro Junior.
"It's nice to be back after not being here for three years," said Spencer. "The conditions were definitely disintegrating out there and it was probably the hardest conditions I've surfed here so I'm really happy to make that heat. I thought last year would've been my last year as a junior so when they changed the age I thought ‘might as well' (laughs)."
Spencer will be joined by the likes of Sawyer Lindblad, Lilie Kulber, Sara Freyre, Rubiana Brownell, Emma Stone, Ella McCaffray, and Noah Klapp.
One of the most highly-anticipated heats of the men's QS so far unfolded with defending event winner Kei Kobayashi, former event winner Evan Geiselman, decorated QS veteran Michael Dunphy, and emerging talent Dane Matson. Dunphy, recent Semifinalist in Dominican Republic, took control of the affair with his backhand daggers as a battle for second went down to the dying minutes when Geiselman earned a 5.50 to steal the advancing position from Kobayashi, which he held until the final horn.
"It was tough and I thought it'd be a better with the higher tide, but luckily on the backhand you can get on the backfoot and poke harder," said Dunphy. "That worked to my advantage and I'm glad because Evan's so good, so is Kei, and Dane as well. I struggle with confidence but it seems when I do good I can get steamrolling and I'm either good consecutively or bad consecutively so I'm happy with the momentum."
More stacked heats to finish the Round of 16 included big wins from rising star Crosby Colapinto, fellow San Clemente competitor Jett Schilling, and Florida's own Tommy Coleman. Schilling is on the hunt for a breakthrough result since his Quarterfinal finish in Pismo Beach and his aerial antics in small conditions here prevailed to earn his way back into the Quarters after helping eliminate current No. 1 Nolan Rapoza.
"I feel good even though the waves are really hard here today," said Schilling. "Especially against guys like Luke Gordon and all those guys who are so good in these waves. T-Street is perfect practice though for this so I've been getting ready. Hopefully I can go all the way in this one."
A 7:00 a.m. EST call will determine a likely 7:30 a.m. start for Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro Junior action.
Day 2: North America No.1s, Elation and Drama
The Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro returned to action with lingering swell providing competitors enough opportunity to showcase their small-wave attack. The men's Qualifying Series (QS) elite held their ground as their field narrowed to just 16 surfers and the Quiksilver, Roxy Junior Pro took to the water for their respective debuts.
Nolan Rapoza and Kade Matson currently share the No. 1 spot in North America and both earned clutch wins in their respective Round of 64 heats before Rapoza went up a notch to blast his way into the Round of 32.
"To stay at the number one spot I'm just not stressing on it," said Rapoza. "I've stressed aout so many things before and now that I'm actually at where I dream of being, it's time to feel it and just keep living it."
Conditions proved difficult as the day progressed and Luke Gordon, along with Tyler Gunter, provided the upset of the event so far, eliminating current No. 1 Matson.
Defending event victor Kei Kobayashikept his razor sharp form intact with another heat win heading into the Round of 16 with plenty of momentum, overtaking day one standouts Crosby Colapinto, also advancing, Kyle Tester and former Pro Junior victor Ryland Rubens.
"I'm stoked with that heat after Dominican didn't go the way I wanted it to but that's the way it goes," said Kobayashi. "I'm excited to be back here in Florida. I've got good memories winning the Pro Junior a few years back and the QS last time around. It's a tricky wave but I love it and I'd love to clinch my spot here, not leave it to Barbados, so I'll give it my all."
Fellow former event winners Josh Burke and Eithan Osborne, who won their respective divisions in 2018, continued their great form over a stacked Round of 32 heat including decorated QS veteran Michael Dunphy, defending junior event victor Jabe Swierkocki, and 2018 ISA Gold Medalist Jhony Corzo. While Osoborne posted a Round's best 13.00 over another super heat featuring in-form competitors Cam Richards, John Mel, and Hagan Johnson.
"The goal is definitely to qualify for the Challengers," said Osborne. "There's still waves and I have a good board that glides instead of hops which helped get some good scores, and that always gives you confidence. I just want to win these last two events, that's my mindset."
"I feel pretty good and it's kind of smaller so hopefully we get a few more waves into the next round and finals day," said Burke. "I have fun in Cocoa Beach and always seem to do well here and hoping to again. Board is feeling really good and I'm stoked to keep it going."
Pro Juniors Make Long-Awaited Return to Competition
Following the men's QS action, the Ron Jon Quiksilver Junior Pro got underway with Round of 40 debuts from some of the best talents 20-and-under. Two years away from competition, Pro Junior competitors are back and are hungrier than ever.
David Okeefe made noise in the QS before facing eliminating in the Round of 64 and brought that confidence to the juniors with a debut-best, 12.20. Now, he prepares to keep his run going against the likes of former event winner Kade Matson and more.
"It feels really good (to make some heats in the QS)," said Okeefe. "Coming up against the best guys you know you're going to have to surf your best. Just feels good to make it."
Raiki Nishida's presence this season hasn't gone unnoticed with multiple heat wins in the QS and just lacking that final push toward finals day. But, the Californian's form continues to impress, already taking out higher-seeded competitors along the way here in Cocoa Beach and earned a big Round of 40 win in the Ron Jon Quiksilver Junior Pro.
"This is the first time I've made it to the Round of 16 which has been a goal of mine all season," said Nishida. "I'm stoked to be giving the QS a full go in my first year and learning from each heat."
A 7:00 a.m. EST call will determine a likely 7:30 a.m. start to competition.
Day 1: Electric Performances Unfold On Opening Day
A massive opening day unfolded at the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro with men's Qualifying Series action front and center from start to finish. Thunderstorms delayed proceedings before finishing through to the Round of 64 Heat 8 but the damage was done by a plethora of standouts making their mark.
The QS grind is in full effect for many of these competitors coming straight from the Dominican Republic right into competition and among them, former Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro victor Evan Geiselman soared in his debut. The New Smyrna Beach, Florida competitor is straight off a runner-up in DR and felt right at home going event-to-event.
"We're back in Florida and I'm happy," said Geiselman. "The waves were pretty fun. We're in Cocoa Beach so you have to enjoy it when there's swell around. It can get brutal here so when you get opportunities to post scores it's good and no days off (laughs). Right back into it and I'm ready."
Former Ron Jon Quiksilver Junior Pro finalist Tommy Coleman unleashed his ferocious forehand on a dream lefthander to turn in an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10) and 16.15 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The Vero Beach, Florida competitor turned in an equal 49th in Pismo Beach and his looking for more success near home.
"It's always nice to be in the jersey at home and have the family and friends supporting me along with the local crowd," said Coleman. "With two events left I'm just hoping to get some good results to carry over momentum into the next season."
Local competitor William Hedleston made his debut in this event at the age of 11 and continues to improve his result each time around in both the QS and Junior. The now 17-year-old will celebrate his 18th birthday by event's end and opened up with an 8.00 and 14.50 heat total to start off in brilliant form as he awaits his Round of 64 heat. Hedleston is back in the jersey after dealing with an ankle injury sustained on Oahu, Hawaii's famed North Shore and right at home.
"There's really no other feeling than surfing at home, it's your home break and you're used to it all the time," said Hedleston. "It's tricky though, being a beach break, it shifts but when you get the fun ones it's definitely worth it. That first wave was nuts and just kept giving me opportunities. I just waited for the rest of the heat to get another score like that but that first one calmed me down a bit."
California's top competitors weren't left out of the mix with the likes of defending event victor Kei Kobayashi, Crosby Colapinto, Jeremy Carter, Matt Passaquindici, Raiki Nishida, Lucas Owston and more earning big debut heat wins. Colapinto witnessed his elder brother Griffin take down the MEO Pro Portugal victory and brought that energy to Cocoa Beach in dynamic fashion with a 15.00 heat total.
"I feel pretty solid at this event and to get that start felt really good," said Colapinto. "Last couple of events I had a shocker so it's good to get some scores and make that heat. I called (Griffin) pretty much crying because that's something we've dreamed of since we were kids. It got me fired up make some heats here and get a good result."
A 7:30 a.m. EST call will determine a likely 8:00 a.m. EST start to men's Round of 64 Heat 9 with Women's QS and Pro Juniors on standby.
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